Now that is curious... because Quartz 2D Extreme certainly gave my 2D performance a boost (12" rev.c Powerbook).

Is there a plist I can check to confirm this?

edit: OK, did the quickest, easiest test I could think of; run Quartz composer for a while and watch temperatures, with ThermographX. With viewer active, GPU temp rose 4 degrees in less than a minute. Close viewer, do something else... returns to normal. Reopen viewer, behaviour is repeated.

The 5200 is CoreImage compatible, but the tech note describes the fact that using the GPU of the 5200 could actually be slower than leaving it all to the CPU only.

The ripple effect will work, and Quartz 2D will be in effect (if enabled by hand).

This is the interesting part: (from the linked note):
"Note: By default, Core Image uses the CPU for rendering on systems with a GeForce 5200 series card because, for most benchmarks, the 5200 can be slower than the CPU on currently shipping hardware."

MacRumors attracts a broad audience
of both consumers and professionals interested in
the latest technologies and products. We also boast an active community focused on
purchasing decisions and technical aspects of the iPhone, iPod, iPad, and Mac platforms.